Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Combined with the various texts describing Church fellowship, the above passage of God-breathed Scripture clarifies the Divine intention for believers to regularly join together for mutual edification and community worship. Created to have a unique relationship with God, the relational attribute of human beings is a vital aspect of the believer’s sanctification. The words used here — “edification,” “fellowship,” “community,” — all have profound meaning regarding Christian joy and duty; but for now, the important point to make is that we are called to engage with other believers. The modern interpretation of this process is popularly called “church.”
My family attended several different churches as I grew up, leaving and joining anew for various reasons. I look back on these situations with some guilt; in at least some instances, I suspect we were too quick to desert a congregation before seeking better understanding. I’m convicted that forgiveness or introspective humbling are better solutions to church conflict, being more in keeping with the example of Christ. By “church-hopping,” we make it more difficult to build lasting relationships within Church.
Nonetheless, compromise cannot apply in every instance. The reason for this is twofold, based upon what I might call “non-negotiables of Church.” First is the fellowship in Christ that defines the Church to begin with; if a congregation is unwilling to interact and build relationships between each other, then there is no community, no edification, and thus no fellowship. Second is the Scripture focus that serves as the Church’s accountability; everything must be founded on the Bible, lest the foolishness of men lead the congregation away from God.
Recently, I’ve been making the difficult decision to cease attending the church I had hitherto been attempting fellowship with. While claiming to prioritize the study of Scripture, lessons and classes tend to be so focused on application thereof that the actual study becomes rushed. Flow of conversation is kept to the teacher’s discretion instead of being open, limiting community involvement. Those responsible for these decisions have justification for them, but in the face of their concerns, the greater problem of stunted edification goes ignored. Ultimately, I do not feel edified, and I do not perceive myself edifying anyone else; I take these as signs that God would have me find fellowship elsewhere.
Be in fellowship! TTT